Bowlees Primitive Methodist Chapel Teesdale Co Durham

1904 Bowlees Primitive Methodist Chapel in 1991

Keith Guyler 1991

Built in 1845 this chapel was last used for worship in 1968

Inside the current building there is a stone dating it to 1868. This would indicate that this was the second chapel to be built on this site. However on the front is the date 1904. Perhaps this indicates an alteration to the building as over the years it has undergone many changes particularly since 1968. It first became a visitor centre in 1975. It was used by the Durham Wildlife Trust at one time and closed again in 2011. Then in June 2013 was re-opened as a Visitor Centre and cafe by North Pennines AONB partnership.

The Primitive Methodist magazine for September 1852 pp.561-562 contains an account by George Crowther of the re-opening of an earlier Bowlees Primitive Methodist chapel. This chapel was opened on 18th January 1846. The society outgrew the premises and permission to extend was obtained from Mr. Scarth, land-agent of his grace the Duke of Cleveland. Work started in May 1852 and the chapel was made 12' longer and could then accommodate 264 people. The total cost was £35 and the overall debt no more than £40.

The chapel was re-opened on July 18th 1852 with sermons by JP Tiplady and Mr R Shields the Superintendent. "The day being remarkably fine, the chapel was crowded with attentive hearers"